The well-funded racing series, backed by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), will host 10 zero-emission races in 10 cities around the world.

The electric cars line up on Westminster bridge

As part of the launch, Battersea Park in South London was revealed as the London race venue.

The race around the park will be the season finale and is scheduled for June 27, 2015.

Video:Apr 26, 2014: Electric Set To Race

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Fast, fun and no doubt furious, the FIA Formula E Championship race in London is set to provide an awesome addition to the capital's sporting calendar.

"The atmosphere will quite literally be electric and Battersea, which is already booming with the buzz of regeneration, will be alive with the excitement that this new, world-class event will no doubt spark."

The sport was set up with the aim of sparking interest in electric cars and boosting innovation in the technology used to run them.

The idea for the championship has been criticised in the past and was dubbed "the milk float challenge", but as the first race draws nearer, it has become a highly anticipated format for motorsport fans.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, businessman Sir Richard Branson and Formula One legend Alain Prost have all set up teams ahead of the inaugural racing series.